Easy No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe - Today's recipe is great for when you want a sweet treat without having to turn on the oven. It's also a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and parties!

Overall, the easy no-bake chocolate eclair cake is a beloved dessert that ticks all the boxes: delicious, convenient, and nostalgic. It's no wonder why so many people love it!

why i love Easy No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

• It's incredibly convenient to make since it doesn't require baking. You can whip it up quickly without heating up the kitchen or using the oven.

• The no bake eclair cake is straightforward and doesn't require any advanced baking skills. Even beginners can easily make it.

• Who can resist layers of creamy pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and graham crackers, all topped with a decadent layer of chocolate frosting?

• A winning combination of flavors and textures that's hard to resist. An excellent easy dessert!

• This chocolate éclair cake is indulgent and satisfying without being overly heavy. Tastes like chocolate eclairs.

• Whether you're serving it at a potluck, barbecue, or family dinner, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.

• The most difficult part is waiting for it to chill overnight!

ingredient notes

Graham Crackers: Traditional graham crackers work well for this recipe. Use your favorite brand.

Instant Vanilla Pudding: Make sure to use instant pudding mix for this recipe, as it will thicken quickly when combined with cold milk. You can also experiment with different flavors of pudding mix, such as chocolate or butterscotch, for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Milk: Whole milk is the best option for this recipe. You'll need 4 cups of milk.

Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is a popular choice for convenience, you can also use homemade whipped cream if you prefer. Just make sure it's stabilized whipped cream by adding a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin so that it holds its shape when mixed with the pudding.

Chocolate Frosting: The homemade chocolate boiled frosting on top is the best part. It's similar to chocolate ganache. Made with semisweet chocolate chips (plus butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt). If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, feel free to use dark chocolate chips and dark cocoa powder.

how to make chocolate eclair cake

Prepare pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Or you can beat it using a stand mixer, if desired. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.

Assemble the layers: In a 9x13 inch baking dish or pan, arrange a layer of graham crackers evenly along bottom of pan. For the pudding layer, spread the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Add another layer: Place a second layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding mixture.

Homemade Chocolate Frosting: Prepare frosting in a small saucepan over medium-high heat according to the recipe below. Pour the chocolate frosting over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, to allow the cake to set.

Serve: Once chilled, slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious and easy no-bake chocolate eclair cake!

quick tips

Layer evenly: When layering the graham crackers and pudding mixture, try to distribute them as evenly as possible to ensure each bite has a balanced ratio of flavors and textures.

Let it set: After assembling the cake, refrigerate it overnight, to allow the layers the cake to set properly. This will also make it easier to slice and serve.

Cover it up: Once the cake is assembled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to prevent any odors from the refrigerator from being absorbed into the cake.

Serve chilled: No-bake desserts like this eclair cake are best served chilled, so make sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. The cold temperature enhances the flavors and textures of the cake.

frequently asked questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. It actually benefits from some time in the refrigerator to set properly, so making it the day before serving is ideal.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Is it ok to freeze this cake? While you can freeze this cake, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, tightly wrap the dish in

Different flavors of pudding? Absolutely! While vanilla pudding is traditional for eclair cake, you can experiment with different flavors like chocolate, butterscotch, or even pistachio for a unique twist.

How do I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or the layers. Additionally, make sure any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

What toppings could I add to the cake?Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like chocolate shavings, sliced almonds, or fresh fruit on top of the cake before serving for added flavor and decoration.

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